]]>We had the chance to speak with Dave Barnes, a talented singer-songwriter who considers himself to be a songwriter first. His name has become popular with country music fans as the writer for Blake Shelton’s current single “God Gave Me You,” but he’s also friends with Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott.

We asked him his opinion on Blake’s version of his song, how he came up with “God Gave Me You,” his friendship with Hillary, and his involvement with the “Mocha Club.” See what the down-to-earth singer had to say by clicking the “read more” tag.

‘God Gave Me You’ is such an inspiring song that a lot of people can relate to. How did this song come about for you?
I had the song title first. Then the music was from another idea I had a year before. I remembered the song idea and it happened that the lyric fit well!

What do you think of Blake Shelton’s version and how do you feel about him having recorded it and released it as a single?
Love it. It’s such an honor. I started to write songs because I wanted other people to sing them. I never thought I would be a singer, so it’s full circle.

You are pretty involved with the Mocha Club. What is it about that organization that made you want to get involved?
I love that my career can be about something other than me. It can be about giving and helping people survive and prosper. Such an empowering thing.

I’ve seen and heard songs that you’ve done with Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum. Your voices blend well together. What is she like to work with?
Amazing. We’ve been friends for a few years and she has really become a little sister in a lot of ways. She’s sooooo talented. It’s an honor to get to play and write with her.

You’re currently on the road and playing shows all over the place, is there a particular city or venue that you love playing?
I always love playing Nashville, LA, and New York. Such fun crazy energy at those cities.

What is one thing about you that fans might be surprised to know?
I didn’t start singing until I was almost through college. Never thought I would be a singer. Never wanted to be, honestly! But here I am -HA!

Who or what inspired you to get into the music business?
I love music. I’m such a fan. The fact that I get to work in an industry I am already so obsessed with is amazing. It’s such a fascinating combination of creativity and business and I love that.

If you weren’t in music, what would you be doing?
Maybe acting or trying my hand at comedy. But probably bothering people with songs I wish they would cut. Ha!

Is there any future projects you can tell us about? Any surprises for your fans in the future?

No real surprises. Just finished my new album with John Fields out in L.A. It’s much more of a pop record than anything I’ve ever done. Really excited about that. Other than that, playing shows and trying to convince people that I know what I’m doing. Ha!